Electric vehicles are gaining tremendous amounts of attention, and Tesla is the most popular EV manufacturer in the world. One of the main appeals of electric cars is that they don’t use gas. But many consumers are curious about how long a Tesla takes to charge completely.
Teslas can take roughly 10 hours to charge using a Level 2 charging system, depending on the model. Supercharging Stations can charge most Tesla models in less than an hour but aren’t designed for daily use. Likewise, level 1 charging isn’t a viable solution, as it can take over 24 hours to charge.
There’s a lot to learn and consider if you’re thinking about purchasing a Tesla. You’ll need to factor in charging types, price points, timeframes, and more. Thankfully, we cover everything you need to get started in the article below. Read on for more information.
How Long Does it Take to Charge a Tesla?
Filling a gas tank takes less than 10 minutes in a standard vehicle. But electric cars must be charged, which can take substantially longer depending on the method. So how long does it take to charge a Tesla, and what are your options?
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging is the lowest option for Tesla vehicles. Most EVs, including Tesla, offer a Level 1 portable charger upon purchase. These chargers typically include a 3-pin 120-volt charger and are compatible with outlets you find in every household.
- Included with the electric vehicle
- Convenient, it can be used with any household outlet
- Portable
- Extremely slow charge time
- Not designed for most daily charging requirements
Level 1 charging is the slowest method for charging Tesla vehicles. Level chargers provide between three and five miles of range per charging hour. This charger can take over 24 hours or more to charge a Tesla vehicle completely. Some cars can take over four days to finish charging on a Level 1 system.
Level 1 charging is not a viable solution for daily commuters or Tesla vehicles. Tesla vehicles have larger batteries that are only getting larger. These charges are typically used as trickle chargers or as a backup and last resort.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 chargers are the most preferred option for daily commuters and consumers. This charger can be installed residentially, professionally, or in public spaces. They offer between 12 and 80 miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers usually consist of 240 volts and need professional installation.
- Charges EVs up to 10 times faster than Level 1 chargers
- Charges between 12 and 80 miles of range per hour
- Can usually charge a vehicle overnight to completion, even with nearly empty batteries
- Readily available
- Multiple options and products to choose from
- Expensive upfront costs ranging anywhere from $200 to over $2,000
Most Level 2 charging models can completely charge a Tesla overnight. It typically takes 10 hours or less to charge an EV fully. Level 2 chargers are almost ten times more efficient than Level 1 systems. Level 2 charging technology is used in many public charging areas.
The upfront expenses are the primary downside to Level 2 charging technology. Installation requirements and location dependence are additional considerations to keep in mind. However, Level 2 charging technology is the preferred method for most daily commuters and consumers.
DC Fast Charging
The most efficient charging method for EVs is DC Fast Charging Stations, otherwise known as Tesla Superchargers. Sometimes DC Fast Charging is called Level 3 charging, but that isn’t accurate. Level 3 systems utilize direct currents (DC) instead of the alternating currents (AC) systems used by Level 1 and Level 2 technologies.
Tesla Superchargers aren’t as fast as pumping gas in a traditional vehicle. However, they’re much more efficient than their counterparts. Level 2 chargers aren’t ideal for topping off vehicles on quick commutes. However, DC Fast Charging can typically charge a Tesla battery to over 80% in under sixty minutes.
Tesla Supercharging Stations are ideal for road trips and long-distance commutes. Tesla vehicles have built-in trip planning systems to help drivers find Supercharging stations across their travels. You can also find navigation systems that provide the same effect if you don’t like the Tesla interface.
It’s recommended to use DC Fast Charging or Tesla Superchargers to top off your vehicle to 80%. 80% is ideal and should offer the fastest charging speed while saving you money. However, waiting until your battery is entirely dead to charge it or use a Supercharger to 100% is not recommended.
But Tesla Supercharging stations have a downside. Tesla Supercharging stations can be hard on batteries if used too often. These stations are also more expensive than charging at home with a Level 2 system.
How Long Does a Tesla Run on a Full Charge?
The range you can drive on a fully charged Tesla battery depends on several factors. Road conditions, climate, vehicle model, battery capacity, and more can affect how long a Tesla can run on a full charge. Although numbers will vary, here’s a breakdown by the Tesla model.
Tesla Model S
The standard Tesla Model S has an EPA estimated range of 405 miles, which is higher than any other Tesla model. The Plaid edition has an EPA estimated range of 396 miles but has higher horsepower and zero to sixty speeds.
Tesla Model 3
The Long Range AWD Tesla Model 3 has an EPA estimated range of 358 miles. The Performance model has an estimated range of 315 miles, while the rear-wheel-drive model has an EPA estimated range of 272 miles.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is a luxury SUV with an EPA estimated range of 348 miles. The Plaid edition has a maximum EPA estimated range of 333 miles.
Tesla Model Y
The Long Range AWD Tesla Model Y has an EPA estimated range of 330 miles, while the Performance variant is estimated at 303 miles.
How Much Does Tesla Supercharging Cost?
Tesla drivers can use Superchargers to charge their vehicles quickly during long and cross-country travel. Drivers can pay per kWh of electricity used or per minute spent at the station. Superchargers are more expensive than charging at home, but they’re still cheaper than gas stations.
| Per Minute | $0.26 per minute above 60 kWh.$0.13 per minute below 60 kWh |
| Per kWh | $0.28 per kWh drawn from the charger. |
You might expect to pay anywhere between $11 and $30, depending on how much you’re charging. Peak hour prices can be higher than charging in the middle of the night. These prices are estimates and vary depending on your location, model, timeframe, and other factors.
Is it Okay to Supercharge Tesla All the Time?
The Tesla Supercharging network is incredibly robust and allows drivers to go anywhere in the country. But using Supercharging stations frequently can have detrimental effects on Tesla vehicles.
Supercharging stations are not meant to charge the battery to 100 percent or to be used all the time. Instead, these stations are designed to fill your battery so you can reach your next destination.
Supercharging stations are best used for long-distance trips. Using superchargers as your primary method of daily charging will reduce the battery life.
Moreover, charging a Tesla at home is typically less expensive and more convenient. You can easily charge your vehicle at home while you relax or sleep if you have a Level 2 system.
Tesla Supercharging stations can also get busy like a typical gas station. Depending on the situation, you might have to wait upwards of 30 minutes for an open spot. Then you would have to charge your battery for another 20 to 45 minutes.
Location is the last reason you don’t want to use Superchargers all the time. Supercharging stations are typically out of the way and inconveniently located. Although you can find stations in urban environments, it’s not as common. Therefore, it’s best to save Supercharging for when you’re in a pinch or on a long trip.